The Arctic Winter Restricts Marte’s Everyday Mobility: “It’s Terrible”

Every winter brings the same cycle: heavy snowfalls, slippery roads, and sidewalks that disappear under snow and slush. For many, these are everyday inconveniences that require some extra time and caution.

For wheelchair users, the consequences are far more extensive.

"I don't like going out alone," says Marte Imingen (33) to High North News. She lives in the Arctic city of Bodø in Northern Norway.

She describes a fundamental insecurity. The fear of getting stuck, that a completely ordinary trip outside will end in helplessness or injury.

A life governed by the seasons

Marte was born with spina bifida and has used a wheelchair since she was six years old. In the summer, she rolls easily throughout the city in a nimble chair. In the winter, she switches to a heavy, electric model better equipped for Arctic winter conditions.

"You have to use an electric wheelchair if you are to have a chance to manage on your own," she says.

But even that is no guarantee.

Winter entails considerable planning and more limitations.

And when the snow falls heavily?

At times, Marte is forced to stay inside for several days.

Invisible traps

Lowered pedestrian crossings, the small dips in the curb, are crucial for Marte to be able to move around the cityscape. But the plowing often leads to snow piles building up in front of the crossings, making them inaccessible.

She can be on the sidewalk, see the crossing right in front of her, yet it is impossible to get there.

Only one option remains: to skip the sidewalk and do the entire route on the road.

"Even yesterday, when I was out with the dog, I had to drive on the road. Not everyone likes it, but I have no choice."

For Marte, the problem is not that it snows, but that the snow isn't cleared.

"The problem is that there is no visible action after the worst snow days."

In her experience, the main roads are prioritized, while sidewalks and crossings remain inaccessible.

"They should be followed up to a much greater extent after the main roads have been cleared."

Lack of resources

Bjørn-Inge Ingvaldsen, head of Urban Engineering in Bodø municipality, explains that winter operations follow a priority list adopted by the city council. Main roads, school roads, and critical functions are cleared first.

"We don't have the resources to plow and polish at the same time. Not even close," he says.

The municipality is aware that wheelchair users are forced to use the road when snow banks block the sidewalks.

"In heavy snowfall, roads are prioritized over sidewalks. Accessibility for emergency services and home care is considered most important."

He explains that the economy is now the main problem.

"For now, the availability of operational personnel and machines limits us. But from 2027, the economy will also lead to a reduction in winter operations," explains Ingvaldsen.

When winter becomes dangerous

Winter is not just inconvenient. It can be downright dangerous. Marte tells about an incident she still feels in her body.

A single chunk of ice on the sidewalk was enough to tip the wheelchair. She ended up trapped between her chair and a parked car, unable to free herself.

"Fortunately, a taxi driver pulled over to help me."

Since that day, she has become more cautious, more dependent on having someone nearby, and more aware of how vulnerable she is when winter makes the city unpredictable.

"It is stressful to constantly feel that you need to have someone with you because you're too scared to go out, in case you can't get down or up, or get stuck. It's horrible," she says.

For Marte, winter is not just about accessibility. It's about safety, and being able to trust that an ordinary trip doesn't end in danger.

Winter limits her everyday life. Some days she can't get out. Other days, she has to take detours, have someone with her, or wait for help from strangers.

"These limitations are a drag."

This winter, the municipality of Bodø has introduced new software to give the snow removal personnel a better overview of the areas that need to be kept snow-free.

"We're trying something new, and we'll see if it leads to an improvement," concludes Ingvaldsen.